Grading the Sooners After 59-0 Win - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

The Sooner nation coming off the biggest victory since the 2003 Texas A&M blowout of 77-0. The Sooners were headed into a week that would publicly salvage them in the national media with a blowout. In wake of the controversial days that prelude Oklahoma-Middle Tennessee, how ironic it is the victory following A&M created a week of controversy nationally -- Coach Stoops, was it necessary for a blowout, shutout win? This week, it was the necessary medicine for Sooner Nation. Now to position grades.

Quarterbacks A-: For the first time, Oklahoma got a glimpse of their depth with Joey Halzle seeing his first snaps. While Paul Thompson played exceptionally well, with a few mental errors coming in the first quarter, progressed throughout the Middle Tennessee game. With no turnovers at quarterback, followed by consistency they grade an A-

Runningbacks B: First off, few saw this game with Adrian Peterson being pulled out on the first drive in the second half. Prior to then, AD rushed for three touchdowns and 128 yards. Imagine the yards; then again, back-up Allen Patrick had two fumbles needed the snaps. Where's the running back depth? Grade B

Wide Receivers B: The wide receivers' play helped build quarterback Paul Thompson's confidence on short passes that resulted in first downs. While receiver Malcolm Kelly emerged as a big play threat down the field. The receivers as a unit provided key blocks on the outside for running back Adrian Peterson.

Offensive Line B+: While much of the play on the young line was solid, the Sooners overmatched Middle Tennessee with size and strength. With the commanding lead in the second half, allowed the Sooners to put five freshmen on the line. With few missed blocking assignments, no trouble between center Chase Beeler, making his first career start and Paul Thompson, still gives the Sooners a solid B plus.

Defensive grades

Defensive Line B: In what was suppose to be the strength of the team, the Sooner D-line has failed to substantially penetrate offenses this year. To provide pressure forcing sacks, bad-decisions resulting in interceptions. While the tide appears to be turning, the defensive end play has been OK, with the tackle position playing lackluster. Still allowing opposing offensives to open gaps resulting in 7-15 yard gains... Play must be picked up or Texas' running backs will have a hay day.

Linebackers A -: Much of the linebacker grading came from their two stars, Zach Latimer and Rufus Alexander, resulting in a very solid grade. The pair forced three turnovers, dozen tackles, two sacks, an INT returned for a TD collectively. The two allowed the offense to set up in good field position each drive.

Secondary B: With a carousel of players getting reps in the backfield. The Sooners' as a unit showed their most promise, although, the biggest miscues coming from Senior DB Jason Carter's two mistackles in the backfield surrendering 70 yards on the ground. Cornerback DJ Wolfe returned to play, showing signs of regaining his starting position at cornerback. Reggie Smith played exceptionally well, returning back to safety from corner. Nic Harris picked the defensive backs' lone interception in the game.

Special Teams. A-: With no controversial onside kicks and only two punts... There were few special team plays, outside the Reggie Smith 61-yard touchdown punt return– that left Middle Tennessee standing still.

Overall Grade: A- although skewed playing Middle Tennessee. The Sooners played like any top 10 team playing Middle Tennessee.